Lecture 2 - Understanding and Classifying Mental Health Flashcards
What are two key distinctions between the DSM and the ICD?
The DSM focuses specifically on mental disorders, while the ICD is a broader classification system encompassing all diseases. The DSM is primarily used in clinical settings, while the ICD is more often used in epidemiological research and public health.
Describe the concept of ‘subjective discomfort’ in the context of defining abnormality and explain one limitation of this definition.
Subjective discomfort refers to the emotional distress or pain experienced by an individual. One limitation is that not all mental disorders involve significant subjective discomfort, and some individuals may lack insight into their condition.
Explain how culture-bound syndromes challenge the notion of a universal definition of abnormality.
Culture-bound syndromes demonstrate that the experience and expression of mental distress can vary widely across cultures, challenging the idea of a single, universal definition of abnormality.
Briefly describe the three components of the psychodynamic model (id, ego, and superego) and how they relate to psychopathology.
The id represents primal instincts, the ego mediates between the id and superego and strives for rational thought, and the superego internalizes moral standards. Psychopathology, according to this model, arises when these three components are in conflict.
What is the core principle behind behavioural models of psychopathology? Provide one example of a therapeutic approach derived from this model.
Behavioural models posit that abnormal behaviour is learned through conditioning. Behaviour therapy, which aims to modify maladaptive behaviours through techniques like systematic desensitization, is one example of a therapeutic approach based on this model.
Explain the difference between classical and operant conditioning.
Classical conditioning involves learning an association between two stimuli, while operant conditioning involves learning through the consequences of behaviour.
According to cognitive models, how do dysfunctional thought patterns contribute to mental health issues?
Cognitive models suggest that distorted or irrational thought patterns can contribute to negative emotions and behaviours, leading to mental health issues.
What are two cognitive distortions that can contribute to psychological distress? Give an example of each.
Magnification involves exaggerating the significance of negative events, while all-or-nothing thinking is characterized by viewing situations in extreme terms, with no middle ground. For example, magnification might lead someone to catastrophize a small setback, while all-or-nothing thinking might lead someone to believe they are a complete failure after making one mistake.
Define the ‘why try effect’ and explain how it relates to the stages of self-stigma.
The ‘why try effect’ describes the diminished motivation and hope that can arise from internalized stigma. As individuals progress through the stages of self-stigma (awareness, agreement, application, harm), they may experience increasing feelings of hopelessness and withdraw from pursuing their goals.
What is label avoidance, and why is it considered one of the most harmful forms of stigma?
Label avoidance is the act of avoiding mental health services and diagnosis due to the fear of stigma associated with having a mental illness. This can be particularly harmful as it prevents individuals from seeking necessary treatment, allowing their condition to potentially worsen.
Psychopathology
The study of deviations from typical psychological and behavioural functioning, encompassing symptoms, causes, classification, and treatment of mental disorders.
Statistical Norm Deviance
Defining abnormality based on statistically rare behaviours. This approach has limitations, as not all statistically rare behaviours are indicative of psychopathology (e.g., high IQ).
Social Norm Deviance
Defining abnormality based on violations of societal norms. This approach raises questions about cultural differences and whether all norm violations signify underlying psychopathology.
Culture-Bound Syndromes
Disorders found exclusively within specific cultures, highlighting the influence of cultural factors on mental health. Examples include Koro, Taijin-kyofu-sho, Susto, and Amok.
Maladaptive Behaviour
Behaviour that impedes an individual’s ability to function effectively in daily life and adapt to stressors. This definition is debatable, as some behaviours considered maladaptive might serve a protective function.
Subjective Discomfort
Emotional distress and pain experienced by an individual. This criterion is subjective and not applicable to all disorders, as some may not involve significant distress.
Mental Health Stigma
Negative attitudes and discriminatory behaviour towards individuals with mental health conditions. This encompasses social stigma, perceived/self-stigma, and label avoidance.
Social Stigma
Prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory actions directed at individuals with mental health conditions due to their diagnosis.
Perceived/Self-Stigma
Internalization of negative societal perceptions about mental illness by individuals with mental health conditions, leading to feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and reduced help-seeking.
Label Avoidance
The active avoidance of mental health services and diagnosis due to the fear of stigma associated with the label of a mental illness. This can hinder access to treatment and exacerbate the condition.
Biological Models
Models that attribute mental illness to biological factors such as neurotransmitter imbalances, brain abnormalities, hormonal irregularities, and genetic predispositions.
Psychodynamic Model
A model developed by Sigmund Freud that posits mental disorders arise from unconscious conflicts and urges seeking expression.
Behavioural Models
These models emphasize the role of learning and conditioning in the development and maintenance of psychopathology.
Classical Conditioning
A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, eliciting a conditioned response.
